Look for a small sticker or metal plate called the rating label. It lists the model number and the serial number. On most appliances, it is inside the door, under the lid, or behind a drawer. Snap a photo of it before you call for repair.
Why the Model Number Matters
Two appliances from the same brand can look alike but use very different parts. The model number tells a technician exactly which parts your appliance uses and what its error codes mean. With it, we can check parts before we arrive and often finish the repair in one visit.
Model Number vs. Serial Number
- The model number tells you which design you have. It may be marked "Model," "MOD," or "M/N."
- The serial number belongs to your one unit only. It may be marked "Serial," "SER," or "S/N." On many brands, it also shows when the appliance was made.
Both numbers are usually on the same label, so a single photo captures them both.
Where to Find It on Each Appliance
| Appliance | Where to look |
|---|---|
| Refrigerator | Inside the fresh-food section on a side wall, on the ceiling near the light, or behind the crisper drawer |
| Freezer | Inside on a side wall, or on the back of the unit |
| Top-load washer | Under the lid, or on the back of the control panel |
| Front-load washer | Around the door opening, or on the back |
| Dryer | Inside the door frame, or on the back panel |
| Dishwasher | On the edge of the inner door, or on the side of the tub |
| Range or oven | Behind the storage drawer, or on the frame when you open the oven door |
| Wall oven | On the frame when you open the oven door |
| Microwave | Inside the door frame, or on the back or side |
| Range hood | Behind the grease filters |
| Wine cooler or beverage center | Inside on a side wall, or on the back |
| Garbage disposal | On the bottom of the unit under the sink |
| Window AC | On the side of the unit, or behind the front grille |
Can’t Find the Label?
- Check your owner’s manual or the paperwork that came with the appliance.
- Look at your purchase receipt or delivery papers.
- If you registered the appliance or use the maker’s app, the model may be saved there.
- Use a flashlight. Labels on built-in units are often in dark corners.
- If the label is faded, take a photo with the flash on and zoom in.
How to Read It to Us
Read the number slowly, one letter or digit at a time. Watch for letters that look like numbers, like the letter O and the number zero, or the letter I and the number one. The easiest way is to read it straight from the photo you took.
Other Numbers You May See on the Label
The label often holds more than the model and serial numbers. Here is what the rest usually means:
- Voltage and amps: how much power the appliance uses. This matters for installs.
- Gas type: on gas ranges and dryers, it shows if the unit is set for natural gas or propane.
- Production date: some brands print the build date right on the label.
- Safety marks: small logos that show the appliance was tested for safety.
What to Tell Us When You Call
With these details in hand, we can plan your repair before we arrive:
- The brand and the full model number
- What the appliance is doing, or not doing
- Any error code on the display
- When the problem started, and if anything changed, like a move or a power outage
- Your town or ZIP code
Ready to Book a Repair?
Once you have the model number, call us and we will check parts for your appliance before we arrive. You can also browse all the brands we repair or every repair service we offer.
We repair every major appliance from all major brands, including Kenmore, Whirlpool, GE, and Samsung. Our technicians come to homes in East Brunswick and nearby towns like Perth Amboy, East Windsor, Old Bridge, Spotswood, South Brunswick, and North Brunswick. See all service areas or how to reach us. For more tips, browse all our appliance repair guides.